Intraoperative microsurgical ultrasonic device and methods related thereto

Featured is a device that provides a mechanism for imaging structure and/or tissue of a surgical site during and after performing a microsurgical procedure such as ophthalmic surgical procedures. Also featured are methods and systems related thereto. In the imaging method of the present invention using such a device includes positioning a high frequency ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus imaging mechanism in close proximity to the area to be scanned/imaged (e.g., surgical site), so that the high frequency ultrasonic signal penetrates the tissue/structure of the surgical site being scanned. The reflected ultrasonic signals, are processed so as to yield high quality/high resolution images of the scanned tissue/structure. Further, the high resolution images are evaluated by the surgeon during the procedure to determine if the surgical approach should be adjusted. If such a determination is made, then the planned surgical approach is adjusted to accommodate for any conditions not accounted for in the initial planning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference character denote corresponding parts throughout the several views and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a non-diseased eye where the conjunctiva is pulled back for surgery, a conventional technique;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an ultrasonic viewing system including a intraoperative microsurgical device according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an intra-operative microsurgical device according to the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-C are cross-sectional schematic views of an eye undergoing a retinal tear repair procedure;

FIGS.

5A,B are cross-sectional schematic views of an eye undergoing a retinal tear repair procedure to illustrate use of the intra-operative microsurgical imaging device to image portions of the retina during the repair procedure;

FIGS.

6A,B are front and side views of the entry alignment device of FIG. 5A; and

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the entry alignment device of FIG.

5B.

1. A method for imaging a surgical site in an eye, comprising the steps of:

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic signals being transmitted and received are high frequency signals.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of supporting the ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus remote from the surgical site.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said supporting further includes providing a first member one portion of which being secured to the ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus and another portion of which being secured remote from the surgical site.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of causing the ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus to move along a predetermined path whereby a series of images are generated.

6. A microsurgical procedure for imaging a surgical site in an eye, comprising the steps of:

7. The microsurgical procedure of claim 6, further including adjusting the planned approach when said evaluating determines that the planned approach should be modified.

8. The microsurgical procedure of claim 6, further comprising transmitting high frequency ultrasonic signals into material comprising the surgical site.

9. The microsurgical procedure of claim 6, wherein said evaluating is performed during the planned surgical approach.

10. The microsurgical procedure of claim 6, wherein the surgical site is a retina of an eye and wherein said locating includes locating the ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus in close proximity to the retina.

11. The microsurgical procedure of claim 10, further comprising supporting the ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus remote from the eye.

12. The microsurgical procedure of claim 11, further comprising remotely manipulating the ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus so as to receive reflected signals from a plurality of locations of the retina.

13. The microsurgical procedure of claim 11, wherein said supporting includes providing a first member to support the ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus remote from eye.

14. The microsurgical procedure of claim 6, further comprising supporting the ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus remote from the surgical site.

15. The microsurgical procedure of claim 14, further comprising manipulating the ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus from a location remote from the surgical site so as to receive reflected signals from a plurality of locations of the surgical site.

16. An intra-operative microsurgical device useable for imaging a surgical site in an eye before ending a microsurgical procedure, said device comprising:

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving apparatus is an ultrasonic transducer.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving apparatus transmits and receives high frequency ultrasonic signals.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the ultrasonic signals being transmitted and received are in a frequency range equal to or greater than about 50 mHz.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein the ultrasonic signals being transmitted and received are about 50 mHz.

21. The device of claim 16, wherein the first member has a length set so that the ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus is disposed in close proximity to the surgical site such that ultrasonic signals being transmitted penetrate the material of the surgical site to obtain the desired image.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the surgical site is a retina of an eye and wherein the length is set so the ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus is disposed within close proximity to the retina.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus is disposed within about 0.5 mm of the retina.

24. A method for treating a retinal tear or detachment in an eye comprising the steps of:

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising transmitting high frequency ultrasonic signals, and wherein said further selectively inserting includes further inserting the first member so the high frequency signals penetrate at least the retina.

26. The method of claim 24, further comprising evaluating received ultrasonic signals to determine if a surgical approach being executed should be modified.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising adjusting the surgical approach when it is determined by said evaluating that the approach should be modified.

28. The method of claim 24 further comprising manipulating the first member such that the ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving apparatus traverses a portion of a surface of the retina.

29. The method of claim 24 further comprising:

30. A method for controlling the performance of a diagnostic procedure of an eye, comprising the steps of: